New-York tribune., 1887-12-12
MIR. BERRY WILL NOT COME.
PLYMOUTH CHURCH DISAPPOINTED.

TIE DIFFICULTY OF CHOOSING A PASTOR IN
CREASED BY THE ENGIIsnMAN's REFUsAL-
After his sermon yesterday morning In Plymouth
Church, Dr. Lyman Abbott read the following dispatch
from the Rev. Charles A. Berry, declining the call ro
Gently givcn him to succeed Mr. Beecher:
Charles Albert Berry grects Plymouth Appreciates
Its confidence rccprocaes Its Affection prays for Its
prosperity, but cannot accept pastorae. Home claims
inexorable Duty here commands. Letter mailed
God bless and guide you"
The dispatch received yesterday morning by
Professor r. ". Raymond, chairman Of the Advisory
Committee Of the church. DR. Abbott spoke briefly In
regard to the matter saying that the church should
not be dismayed by of the failure Of their hopes
and that they had shown their ability to agree, which
was what no one had expected 1t had boen good
thing for Mr.. Berry, he had become more widely
known and better appreciated In England by reason Of
Ills being wanted In this country. Dr. Abbott told the
church to take heart and face the future manfuy and
Providence would direct them in choice.
1T ACTS LIKE A WET BLANKET
The members Of the church dispersed after the ser
vice as II wet blanket had been thrown over thcm
They had strong hopes Of Mr. Berrys acceptance in
view Of what he said while in this country although
they knew that strenuous efforts would be made to get
him to remain with his church. The unanimous sent
ment In his favor expected to have great weight
with Mr. Berry in inducing him to accept.
Thomas G. shearman said In response to questions
as 10 What the church VIII DO NO reply Will DC maue
to Mr. Berry until his letter arrives which should be
week from to-day. The choice OF a name to recon-
mend TO the church will now fall upon the Advisory
Committee, WHICH Will have to do its work over again
There Is no agreement upon any man and we will have
to reconsider the whole matter"
VIII you be likely to look to England agalnl"
NO. think not, for there is strong feeling In
favor OF an American, which was waived In behalf
OF Mr. Berry. Personally, think that VIC would be
more likely to find a man of the views we desire In
England than I'm this country. Certain lines here
mark out large class of ministers we would not want
In m
views with the recent action OF the American Board
lie would not want 10 como and we wouldn't want
him. In England there is much more liberality OF
thought among Congregational lists than here. this
the middle ages in theology, and the laymen too
Business men many Of them. never read the Bible
and all they know about Is heard from the pulpit
MR.. BERRY PROFITS By THE INVITATION.
Deacon H. l.. Pratt sald al think VIC shall have
moro difficulty in getting tho church to agree now
than before. No thought that We could agree
before, but did, and now 1t will be harder than
ever. Mr. Berry is an exceedingly capable man, and
his strength lay as much outside in the pu lpt /
am sorry he will not Gomez
F. c. Marvel, clerk of the church, said: at was
probably influences outside of Mr. Berrys church
much as I'm IL which led to his decision. He took
much interest In politics and education and his weight
In those matters would be missed. / am tho more
disappointed for we thought when Mr.. Berry won't
away that he would back, and think he was In
clined to But the pressure for him to stay was
too great No one can tell what the church will do
now.n
1t IS understood that the Queen Street Church in
WolverhamptOn increased Mr. Berry's salary largely
and offered him two assistants in his mission work If
he would decline the call. HIS most intimate friends
In Brooklyn were sure he would accept